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17.92 to 17.96 and 15.57 Combating wildlife cybercrime

15.57

Decision directed to: Parties

Parties are urged to:
a) submit information to the CITES Secretariat on best practices and on websites adhering to codes of conduct for posting on the CITES website;
b) publish results of scientific research on correlations between use of the Internet and the rate of wildlife crime, and share these results with the CITES Secretariat;
c) assess the extent of and trends in commerce of CITES-listed species via the Internet, and submit such information to the Secretariat for analysis; and
d) submit information to the CITES Secretariat for analysis on any changes in trade routes and methods of shipment that have been observed as a result of increased use of the Internet to promote trade in wildlife.

17.92

Decision directed to: Parties

All Parties should:
a) provide the Secretariat with any changes or updates to domestic legislation that pertain to wildlife cybercrime as well as any other relevant domestic measures;
b) provide the Secretariat any best practice models that pertain to regulation of online marketplaces and social media platforms, including enforcement protocols; and
c) seek input from purveyors and owners of online marketplaces and social media platforms for the purpose of sharing any relevant information with the Secretariat.

17.93

Decision directed to: Secretariat

The Secretariat shall:
a) subject to available resources and where appropriate, engage with relevant social media platforms, search engines and e-commerce platforms to address illegal international trade in CITES-listed species through these platforms, and raise awareness of the conservation plight of CITES-listed species affected by illegal trade;
b) in its enforcement-support role, provide assistance and expertise regarding wildlife cybercrime enforcement operations and investigations;
c) share on its e-portal any information received from Parties, the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), and other experts regarding domestic measures to address wildlife cybercrime and any relevant best practices, manuals, or guidance, including any information provided by Parties pursuant to Decision 17.92;
d) engage with INTERPOL on efforts to combat wildlife crime linked to the Internet, and invite INTERPOL to consider establishing capacity, at the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore, to support the efforts of Parties to combat such crimes, and to develop guidelines for Parties on how to combat wildlife crime linked to the Internet more effectively;
e) liaise with ICCWC regarding best practices and model domestic measures for addressing illegal e-commerce and wildlife cybercrime; and
f) report on its discussion with INTERPOL and ICCWC at the 69th and 70th meetings of the Standing Committee, and subsequently at the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

17.94

Decision directed to: Standing Committee

The Standing Committee, at its 69th meeting, shall form a workshop* on wildlife cybercrime that includes both producer and consumer countries and those with large internet companies, non-governmental organizations with expertise, lawyers, and other relevant experts.
* As agreed by CoP17, the Secretariat believes that this meant to refer to a working group, not a workshop.

17.95

Decision directed to: Standing Committee

The workshop* shall work intersessionally, reporting to each Standing Committee meeting prior to the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties, and preparing, if appropriate, a draft resolution for presentation to the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.
* As agreed by CoP17, the Secretariat believes that this meant to refer to a working group, not a workshop.

17.96

Decision directed to: Standing Committee

The Standing Committee shall consider the reports of the Secretariat in accordance with the provisions of Decision 17.93, paragraph f), as well as any other information presented to the Standing Committee and, if necessary, make recommendations for consideration by the Parties at the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.